La Poderina Brunello 2001

The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino presents a remarkable balance of ripe fruit, structure and freshness. Violets, dark cherries, new leather and spices are all woven together in an elegant fabric of notable class. The purity of the fruit is superb and the finish boasts tons of finesse, with silky tannins that frame the close. Anticipated maturity: 2011ndash;2021.

I adored La Poderina’s 2001 Brunello di Montalcino and had high hopes for the 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio Banale but unfortunately it misses the mark. It is a perfect example of a wine that has too much of everything. The fruit is super-ripe, overly sweet and excessively concentrated. An exuberant use of oak has left the wine with hard, unpolished tannins that dominate its balance. Despite all of those shortcomings it remains an excellent, well-made wine, which makes its flaws all the more a pity. This wine had all the potential to be one of the vintage’s best Brunellos. Anticipated maturity: 2009–2019.

I adored La Poderinaandrsquo;s 2001 Brunello di Montalcino and had high hopes for the 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio Banale but unfortunately it misses the mark. It is a perfect example of a wine that has too much of everything. The fruit is super-ripe, overly sweet and excessively concentrated. An exuberant use of oak has left the wine with hard, unpolished tannins that dominate its balance. Despite all of those shortcomings it remains an excellent, well-made wine, which makes its flaws all the more a pity. This wine had all the potential to be one of the vintageandrsquo;s best Brunellos. Anticipated maturity: 2009andndash;2019.

Deep ruby. Rather closed nose needs time in the glass to fully reveal all itrsquo;s got, but therersquo;s plenty of raspberry, strawberry and cola here, plus a pretty floral twist. Suave and stylish on entry, with ripe red cherry and plum flavors framed by rather high but harmonious acidity. Excellent balance and a smooth texture are evident on the long finish, making this one of the best wines of the vintage.

Beautiful blackberry and spice, with hints of coffee. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a gorgeous finish. Seductive. Best after 2009.

Blackberries and black cherries on the nose follow through to a full body, with soft and silky tannins. Long finish. Best after 2011.

La Poderina's Brunello shows impressive balance between its bright fruit and sassy spice components. On the close, the wine exhibits a tight, firm and penetrating feel that is carried forth by acidity and the natural firmness of the tannins.